One of the most serious scandals in the history of the modern Bundeswehr is unfolding in Germany. According to local media reports, more than 50 soldiers from Fallschirmjägerregiment 26 (a parachute regiment in Zweibrücken, Rhineland-Palatinate) are under investigation for numerous cases of right-wing extremism, Nazi symbolism, anti-Semitism, and sexual violence.
Main charges:
– use of Nazi slogans, “Sieg Heil,” wearing Third Reich-style uniforms, and organizing themed parties,
– sexual advances, threats of rape, mobbing of female military personnel,
– rituals of violence, use of hard drugs (including cocaine), and violation of cannabis laws.
According to internal Bundeswehr documents, more than 40 cases of sexual and extremist nature have been recorded in just one company. In total, the military leadership and the Zweibrücken prosecutor’s office are investigating more than 200 different offences.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called the situation “shocking” and “contrary to the fundamental values of the Bundeswehr.” According to him, the first three soldiers have already been dismissed, and the number of suspects against whom criminal proceedings are being conducted is at least 19.
The army leadership admitted that after reviewing the materials, it was “almost shocked” by the scale of the problem. The military announced the development of a special action plan to overcome the “toxic culture” in the unit.
The scandal has gained particular resonance against the backdrop of Berlin’s ambitious plans to make the Bundeswehr the strongest conventional army in Europe and its active campaign to recruit new contract soldiers.
The investigation is ongoing, and the number of suspects may increase.